Petrila brings together the history of a mining town, museums showcasing the way of life of the Momârlănen, and nature experiences in the valleys. Travelers choosing a destination for its cultural focus will find both industrial history and traditional village and mountain landscapes here. The former Mina Petrila, the museums in Jieț, and the natural areas of Cheile Tăii and Cheile Jiețului each offer their own highlights.
Mining History and Memorial Sites
The Exploatarea Minieră Petrila is classified as a historic monument ensemble in category A. Mina Petrila opened in 1859 and is considered the oldest mine in the Jiului Valley. The Casa Memorială I. D. Sîrbu is also part of the history of the mining community: it is the last surviving house in the Ferdinand colony and offers an impression of the housing of the time. The memorial commemorates Ion D. Sîrbu, the Romanian writer, essayist, playwright and philosopher. His family settled in the Ferdinand mining colony around 1860. Check visiting arrangements for the house before your trip. The former Mina Petrila hosts art exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances and community events; the program may vary. So check event dates in advance.
Petrila thus offers two distinct ways to explore its mining history: a site classified as a historic monument ensemble and a house that provides insights into the life of the mining community. Cultural events at the former Mina complement these historical themes with a changing program of events.
Museums Showcasing the Way of Life of the Momârlănen
The Muzeul Satului Momârlănesc in Jieț recreates a traditional Momârlănen village. The museum includes more than 20 traditional houses and a wooden church with architecture typical of the region. The simple wooden houses illustrate the activities and way of life of this community. The focus is therefore not just on individual buildings, but also on the everyday life they represent.
The Muzeul Satului Tradițional de la Jieț-Petrila divides its displays into three areas. The village settlement includes a church, a school and traditional farmsteads. Another area features shelters and hay meadows, while the alpine area includes a mountain pasture, a hut and a livestock pen. This layout makes the different elements of village and mountain-pasture life easier to understand and offers a different focus from the recreation of the Momârlănen village.
Gorges, Trails and Outdoor Activities
Cheile Tăii lies in the Tăii Valley and is a nature reserve in protection category IV. The Piatra Lesului limestone formation offers climbing opportunities. A municipal strategy updated in 2020 also lists five climbing routes in Cheile Tăii: Hornul, with two pitches and a difficulty grade of 4A; Grota, with two pitches and a grade of 3B; and Piatra Rosie, Minerul and Zetu, each with four pitches and a grade of 5B. The listed routes can therefore be compared by their number of pitches and the grades given.
A series of glacial lakes in Petrila’s southern administrative area can be reached via the Jieț Valley and through the Cheile Jiețului nature reserve. Rafting is possible on the Jieț River in the Cheile Jiețului area. Another striking landscape feature is Cascada Muncelul: it is near Petrila, in Cheile Jiețului, and has a drop of about 30 meters.
A marked trail is also among the routes described in the surrounding area. It leads from the Cabana de vânătoare Auselul hunting lodge at an elevation of 1,024 meters toward Vârful Brateș, below Vârful lui Patru. These destinations offer a range of nature experiences: climbing routes in Cheile Tăii, glacial lakes in the southern administrative area, and rafting in the Cheile Jiețului area.
Customs and Local Life
Local traditions include the Nedeile, shepherds’ gatherings held on certain holidays, especially Easter and Pentecost. Residents of nearby villages take part alongside the shepherds. Pitaraii refers to an old winter custom: young men preparing to marry parade through the village with decorated flags. In the fir-tree custom, the fir is the focus of community ceremonies as a sacred tree and a symbol of life and death, including at funerals and weddings.
Traditional occupations in the localities belonging to Petrila also offer insights into local life. In Tirici, Cimpa, Jieț and Răscoala, livestock farming and the processing of milk and meat have traditionally been the predominant activities. Alongside the museums and customs, this aspect shows another side of Petrila beyond its mining history: the connection between everyday life, village life and animal husbandry.
Discover more destinations: Roșcani, Hărău, Uricani, Şoimuş, Geoagiu Băi, Brad, Vața De Jos, Sălaşu De Sus.
For the main travel overview: Deva.
